ASTM B558-79(2013)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: B558 − 79 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electroplating
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B558; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope etchingtreatmentinwhichthealloyisfirstetched anodically at
a low-current density of 2 A/dm for 10 min and then made
1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for
passive at 20A/dm for 2 min and finally cathodic for 2 or 3 s
producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel alloys.
at 20 A/dm.(Warning—Slowly add the sulfuric acid with
Only those methods that are well known and generally prac-
rapid stirring to the approximate amount of water required.)
ticed are included. Methods that have been used successfully
When the initial mixture cools, dilute to exact volume. The
but not on a broad scale are not included. Once nickel is
temperature of the solution should be in the range from 20 to
applied, other metals may be electroplated on the product.
25°C (70 to 80°F). Chemical lead may be used for the
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
electrodes. Rinsing should be used before electroplating.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
NOTE 1—This activation is not suitable for barrel operation.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.3 Acid-Nickel Chloride Treatment— This procedure uses
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
an anodic treatment followed by a cathodic treatment in a
low-pH nickel chloride solution. The composition of the
2. Cleaning
solution is 240 g/Lof nickel chloride (NiCl ·6H O) and 31 mL
2 2
2.1 The following cleaning treatments may be used. The
of concentrated 31.45 mass % hydrochloric acid (density 1.16
choice of the procedure will be governed largely by the g/mL). The normal procedure is to make the alloy anodic for 2
condition of the surface.
min at 3A/dm and then cathodic for 6 min at the same current
2.1.1 Degreasing is used to remove the bulk of grease, oil, density. The temperature of the solution should be in the range
and finishing compounds that may be present on the surface.
from 20 to 25°C. Nickel may be used for the electrodes.
The cleaning may be vapor degreasing, solvent wash, emulsion Separate tanks are recommended for the anodic and cathodic
cleaning, or soak cleaning.
steps to avoid contamination of solution but a single tank may
2.1.2 Electrolytic Alkaline Cleaning— Removal of final be used. Rinsing should be used before electroplating except
traces of dirt, grease, and oil is accomplished best with where indicated in Table X1.1.
electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The solution may be either a
NOTE 2—Nickel anode materials containing greater than 0.01 % sulfur
proprietary cleaner or a formulated one.
are not recommended for use in acid nickel strike baths operating at pH
0.5, or lower, to avoid oxidation of sulfides by hydrochloric acid.
3. Activation
3.4 Anodic Etching in a Low pH Watts Bath—The compo-
3.1 The procedure used for activating the nickel alloy
sition of the low pH Watts Bath is 360 g/L of nickel sulfate
surface usually determines the soundness of the adhesion. The
(NiSO ·7H O), 45 g/L of nickel chloride (NiCl ·6H O), and
4 2 2 2
choice of treatment is governed by the condition of the surface
37.5 g/Lof boric acid (H BO ). This procedure uses an anodic
3 3
and the type of al
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